6 Outdated Paint Color Trends to Retire—and What to Try Instead

Paint has always been one of the easiest and most impactful design tricks in the book—and for good reason. A few fresh coats can transform everything, from a ho-hum door to a drab, claustrophobic room.

But just because paint is a reliable part of any designer's arsenal doesn't mean that anything goes. Whether you're keeping tabs on the latest color of the year or getting more creative with a pigment-packed arch or mural, you know that paint trends come and go—and some have seriously overstayed their welcome.

We tapped experienced designers to help you identify the paint colors and trends to skip during your next renovation project—and asked them what you might want to try instead. Now, all you need to do is pick out the perfect timely hue, crack open a can of primer, and get started.

Skip Stark White Paint Palettes

For a time, crisp, cool white was often the only paint color used throughout entire homes. And while white will always have its place, complementing warmer off-whites with cream, taupe, and even gray creates a more inviting atmosphere. "Color and pattern are part of my design DNA, but I also believe in the staying power of an all-white—or shades of white—palette," says Caitlin Kah, founder and principal of Caitlin Kah Interiors. "It’s timeless but relaxed and has the ability to highlight the character of a home, be it a charming, patinaed Brooklyn brownstone or a breezy beachside bungalow."

Try: An Array of Warmer Neutrals

Keeping your paint palette understated doesn't mean choosing the same hue for every room. "With so many beautiful colors out there to choose from, I actually think that opting for neutral paint colors exudes a high level of taste and discernment," says Kah. "If you’re worried about a neutral palette feeling too cold, consider gray-based neutrals, like Slaked Lime and Portland Stone from Little Greene, two soft but dynamic off-whites that add warmth and depth to literally any space."

Don't Use Paint to Downplay Wallpaper

Why decide between paint or wallpaper when you can have both? Instead of downplaying the color of your trim and ceilings in favor of a lively repeat, designer Noz Nozawa says it's time to treat both elements like equal entities. "[We need] to unshackle ourselves from the standard assumption that if you use a bold wallpaper in a room, it needs to be paired with white trim and a white ceiling," Nozawa says.

Try: Matching Your Trim Shade to Your Wallpaper

The good news is that many paint and wallpaper companies—such as Backdrop and Schumacher—are joining forces to offer curated, cohesive collections. "If the idea of color matching might have been intimidating before, it's now so much easier to choose an accent trim color that makes the wallpaper in a room a 'complete thought'—and [creates a] total transformation," says Nozawa. Bold wallpaper and paint? That's a power couple we can get behind.

Say Goodbye to Dark Gray

White isn't the only shade that deserves a sabbatical. According to Lisa Gilmore, the principal of her eponymous design firm based in Florida, it's time to think beyond stony grays. "Don't get me wrong, gray is a nice color and does its job, however, it has been so oversaturated over the years," she says. "I'm ready for less-muddy tones."

Try: Pale Pastels or Earth Tones

Gilmore notes that most of her projects' current color palettes are filled with smile-inducing shades—so consider this a sign to try something new. With the right undertones, a dusty shade of pale pink or a muted, earthy green can be a welcome alternative to the overplayed neutral.

No More Navy

Navy might teeter nicely between subtle and statement, but Gilmore says this power pigment's days are numbered—for now, at least. "Yes, it's a beautiful color, and sure, it can be timeless," she says. "[With that said], I'm leaning towards blues with more oomph and vibrancy."

Try: Lighter Shades of Blue

From sky blue to bold cobalt, you're in no shortage of beautiful cool hues in this color family. With many paint companies choosing shades of blue for their 2024 colors of the year, you can easily find the right tone for your study, bedroom, living space or kitchen.

Curb the Contrast

The latest paint trend to retire, according to designer Zoe Feldman, is high-contrast paint pairings. "I'm not a fan of dark walls with white trim," she says. "The contrast is way too harsh—even jarring." Feldman is partial to a subtler approach: "I prefer a smoother shade transition. It looks more thoughtful," she says.

Try: Tonal for Trim

For a natural approach that has plenty of visual impact, consider giving your room the tonal treatment. For example, sage green walls and a deep, emerald trim can be an eye-catching, unexpected way to transition between architectural elements.

Avoid Accent Walls

While painting one wall a bold shade was, in the past, a designer-recommended way to add major impact with a minor investment, this technique now feels dated and overused. It's nearly impossible to create a visually smooth transition between the light and dark walls, says Kah, and the high-contrast result is striking—but not in a good way.

Try: A Bold Color Drench

If you're charmed by a strong, saturated color, says designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin, the approach is simple: "Commit!" she says. "Do all four walls and the ceiling if you want to really bathe in the color—this makes a huge difference in the whole vibe of the room."

Kah agrees: "Even though painting an entire room a single bold color can feel intimidating, the result always feels more finished and intentional," she says. "If you want to add some visual contrast to a room, consider zhushing up a feature wall with a textural wallcovering, like grasscloth or hemp, in the same tone as your paint color."